Gowa Regent Responds to DPRD Inquiry Committee's Impeachment Recommendation

The Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) of Gowa Regency in South Sulawesi has adopted the findings of its Special Committee (Pansus) on the Right of Inquiry, culminating in a proposal to dismiss or impeach Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang.

The decision was read out during a plenary session on Wednesday (12/8) to adopt the DPRD’s opinion on the follow-up to the inquiry committee’s work.

Sitti Husniah, who was present in the chamber, responded to the council’s decision.

“I am here in this room not to avoid scrutiny,” Husniah told Gowa DPRD members on Wednesday.

Husniah acknowledged that she had previously attended an earlier session at the Gowa DPRD before leaving the room. She said she had now returned in good faith to attend the session adopting the inquiry committee’s findings.

“Alhamdulillah, I was present earlier. However, there was a bit of drama, so I gave a second opportunity to attend and stand before the honourable members,” she said.

Husniah, who is also a National Mandate Party (PAN) politician, explained that her presence at the session was a form of compliance with the law and respect for the people’s representative institution.

“I am here because I respect the law and, above all, because we have all received a mandate from the people of Gowa,” she said.

Husniah said she had no objection to receiving criticism in running the government. She said oversight of the administration is part of democracy.

“Criticism is part of democracy. Oversight is part of healthy governance, and as regent I have never placed myself above criticism, above oversight, let alone above the law, because the office of regent is not someone’s personal property. It is a mandate,” she explained.

Husniah also said the case concerning the termination of scholarships for a postgraduate programme must be evaluated based on the principle of legality. She added that the state has mechanisms for reviewing policies issued by stakeholders.

Husniah stressed that she was ready to accept the outcome and would not pre-empt the authorised institutions. She said the Gowa Regency government would respect every legal decision in accordance with statutory provisions.

“There are a few facts that I believe not all council members, especially the special inquiry committee, are aware of. There are facts that were not presented which I would like to convey,” she said.

Several council members then raised interjections one by one when the Gowa Regent brought in a woman named Fenny, who is said to be seven months pregnant and is the wife of one of the witnesses during the inquiry hearings, Wahyu. The council members questioned the regent’s intention in bringing the woman to the session adopting the inquiry committee’s findings.

However, the flurry of interjections from council members did not last long, as the Gowa Regent resumed her remarks on the inquiry committee’s findings.

Regarding the alleged corruption in the school uniform procurement project, which is currently under criminal investigation, Husniah also spoke during the session.

“My position is also clear. Regional funds are the people’s money. Therefore, if irregularities occur, I strongly support an objective, professional examination without intervention. But at the same time, we must clearly distinguish between alleged irregularities in an activity and individual accountability. If money was given to anyone, it must be proven,” she said.

Finally, the Gowa Regent also addressed personal matters that were discussed during the inquiry committee hearings.

“I am fully aware that a regional head bears high ethical standards. I am not asking for immunity. I am not asking for special treatment. If there is an allegation that a personal action is connected to abuse of office,” Husniah said.

Earlier, Gowa DPRD member from the Gerindra faction, Dian Purnamasari, said all factions in the Gowa DPRD had approved the proposal to dismiss the regent.

According to Dian, the decision was agreed unanimously by the seven factions in the Gowa DPRD. All members of the Gowa DPRD also signed their approval of the impeachment proposal.

“Institutionally, we all agree. All factions agree. Seven factions agree unanimously, all of them,” she said on Wednesday.

Dian said 45 members of the Gowa DPRD had signed their approval of the proposal to dismiss the Gowa Regent.

“All 45 DPRD members signed the approval for impeachment. From our party, Gerindra, we declare the impeachment of the regent,” she said.

After the political decision was adopted by the Gowa DPRD, the next step will be taken by the DPRD leadership, which will submit the proposal to the Supreme Court (MA) for review and a ruling in accordance with the applicable mechanism.

“The mechanism is that the leadership will submit it to the Supreme Court, to be reviewed by the MA and decided,” she explained.

She said that after the Supreme Court issues a ruling, the process will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) to follow up on the decision.

“After that, it goes to the Ministry of Home Affairs to follow up on the Supreme Court’s ruling,” she said.

Dian stressed that after the adoption of the inquiry committee’s findings, the Gowa DPRD no longer has any further political process regarding the proposal. The next stage lies with the Supreme Court to issue a decision.

“Yes, there is no further process. After this, it just goes to the MA. So this political process must be carried out by the MA,” she said.